Groups Plot Ideological Slugfest Over Kagan

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden on Monday stand with Solicitor General Elena Kagan, Obamas pick to replace Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court. Interest groups already are lining up for or against Kagans confirmation to the high court.

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With Elena Kagan, President Obama has selected a strong, independent and intelligent woman for the bench. Her experience and background as Solicitor General and Dean of Harvard Law School will add balance to the court, EMILYs List President Stephanie Schriock said in a statement. If confirmed by the Senate, Elena Kagan would serve as the fourth woman ever to sit on the court, and the Supreme Court would have a record three women on the bench. With her nomination the court is one step closer to reflecting the diversity that makes our country so great.

The Center for Reproductive Rights said it wants to learn more about Kagans opinions on important constitutional principles and cases, particularly the right to privacy and Roe v. Wade.

President Nancy Northup said the group applauds Kagans ground-breaking career history as the first female dean of Harvard Law School and first woman to serve as solicitor general.

However, her public record reveals very little about her judicial philosophy or her views on the constitutional protections in Roe, Northrup added in a press statement. The last Supreme Court decision on abortion was 5 to 4 and further diluted constitutional protections for abortion. As such, it is absolutely critical that the Senate Judiciary Committee conduct a rigorous confirmation process and thoroughly explore Ms. Kagans views on the constitutional protection that should be afforded to women seeking abortions.